Orlando City Soccer Club today provided an update on the progress made thus far on the design and construction of the new downtown multi-purpose stadium.

“As we have stated since the start of the stadium process, we are fully committed to working closely with all our government partners to build a downtown stadium of which the entire community will be proud,” said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “We are thrilled to receive two important approvals last week from the Orlando Municipal Planning Board and Appearance Review Board. We continue to make additional enhancements to the site plans based on feedback received, and will continue to incorporate community input into our plans as we work toward building the best and most exciting stadium in MLS.”

Since November, site preparation work continues along Church Street and Parramore Avenue, including filling of the retention pond in advance of future construction.

Lastly, Orlando City’s top two picks in the 2014 Expansion Draft – goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts and midfielder Tony Cascio recently visited the construction site during a tour of the City Beautiful. It was their first look at the Lions’ future home downtown.

“It’s always good to be a part of something that’s brand new so you can say you were there from the launch, from the inception,” commented Ricketts after touring the site. “What I’m seeing right now is something very exciting and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

“I just saw the pictures of what [the stadium is] supposed to be. I just can’t wait for 22,000 fans to be screaming ‘Orlando City,’ ” added Cascio.

Orlando City will face New York City FC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015. Kick-off is set for 5:00 p.m. ET. To purchase 2015 MLS Season Tickets, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY. Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand YouTube.

About the Downtown Stadium:

Through a public/private partnership, a new Major League Soccer stadium is being constructed in Downtown Orlando – it will be the future home of Orlando City Soccer Club and host to other major national events throughout the year. Scheduled to open for the 2016 MLS season, the stadium will have an initial capacity of approximately 20,000, aims to be LEED-certified, and will reflect the character and culture of the community, especially the surrounding Parramore neighborhood, to provide an unparalleled and truly unique fan experience.

The stadium broke ground on October 16, 2014, and is being developed by Orlando City Soccer Club. Barton Malow will serve as the Construction Manager and Populous is the architect. One completed, it will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida community. Community funding partnerships include the City of Orlando, Orlando City Soccer Club and Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.

The soccer stadium is part of the Blueprint Initiative that ensures the local community benefits from the construction with 24 percent of the contracts going to minority or women-owned business enterprises. For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com.